Gov. Christie extends deadline to consider Hudson River rail tunnel

Jerry McCrea/The Star Ledger Construction workers have built a support to Tonnelle Avenue at the designated entranceway to the ARC Tunnel Construction site in North Bergen. Gov. Christie has apparently extended the two-week period he originally set to reconsider pulling the plug on the tunnel's construction.

TRENTON — It appears the deadline has been extended to determine whether to continue the biggest public works project under way in the nation.

Gov. Chris Christie had said he would tell U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today whether he would stand by his decision to scrap a new rail tunnel linking the Garden State with New York City.

But Christie's office said late Thursday the governor had no meetings scheduled. WNBC-TV in New York reports Christie will spend the weekend considering whether to put the project back on track.

Christie agreed to reconsider after meeting with LaHood following his decision to scrap the tunnel two weeks ago because of runaway costs.

Three government officials have told The Associated Press the estimated cost of the tunnel is $4 billion less than the worst-case estimate Christie used when he canceled the project.